De-dripping

September 18, 2007 (4:42am)

60º F, Partly cloudy, S Wind, 3 mph.

Good morning,

The rain that was supposed to be here a couple three hours ago, hasn’t arrived yet. I can see it on the radar to the west and south, heading our way. Looks like it has some decent rain in it too. We did get some light rain yesterday, for a time, but most of the day was fairly nice. Temperature was where I like it for work too.

I finally have the chimney water tight - I think. I didn’t/don’t like the joint where the flashing meets the ribbing of the roofing. During the showers yesterday, there were a couple of places of minor leaks. Problem is, they usually don’t seal but increase in size over time. I finally did find the seal tape here, after running around much of Crystal Falls and Iron River. The seal tape I previously bought is 4" wide, and this is about 8" wide. I would have liked the 4" better as it is easier to handle. Anywho, the flashing is sealed down and sewed on with metal roofing sealing screws.

To make sure there is no leakage, I made double layer of roofing over the “ uphill” side of the chimney. There are some sheets of roofing left here, but not the full width. I thought they were 48" wide, full size, but they are only 31" wide. Guess they are leftovers form some installation. The narrower piece works, but would rather have had the full width. I cut a “U” shaped opening in the lower edge of the sheet to slip around the chimney, then screwed it down over the roof and flashing. The water should run off to the ground now, rather than into the house. The hardest part of the whole deal, was slipping it under the roof edge where the main roof and the “lean-to” section join. Almost not enough space to allow it to fit. Talked to it a bit with my persuader and it is a very snug fit. Don’t think the wind will life it, unless the main roof comes off first.

We did a lot of chasing around to find the seal tape. In the process, found a pretty complete lumber yard in Caspian. In many ways it is a modernized lumber yard of old. Instead of just a desk to buy from as the old ones had, this has a pretty complete hardware store attached to it. Not as complete as the Ace Hardware in Iron River, but a good supply. When it came time to check out, the owner said he would have to check us out as the gal normally checking out called in with a hunting injury. She apparently messed up her knew while bird hunting Saturday. The season opened this weekend. Not too many women in the Kewaunee area go hunting, but here many do. Cool.

Still not too sure if we will be going to FISKLAND or not today. I would like to be here when it rains to make sure there are no more leaks. It isn’t any fun trying to load a truck in the rain either, trying to keep things dry and not succeeding. Also need to complete the topside of the chimney and brace it against wind. Decided to make the braces rather than buy them - $4.00 as opposed to $20.00 each for two. Once those are on, I will feel much more comfortable about the setup. I tried the trim pieces, just to see how they look on the inside of the house - boy they fit like a slap in the face! Look nice too.

I really need to get serious about tearing down a couple of the lean-to’s as I need the materials from them to do other things around here. Most importantly is to raise the floor under the woodstove. Then I can get the ceramic tile on the floor and walls. Get after building a wood box through the wall too. Seems there is a never ending list of things to do around here. That is a good thing we think.

The two yearling deer were in and out of the yard most of the day yesterday. Chewing on the tree seeds while we were in, the off and running when we were outside. As soon as we were back in again, they returned again. Cool! Must be very good stuff to eat near the main house.

Time to get a-going.

In Christ My Saviour,

Chris <><